Antique tub faucet name and safe remove

[Jeff H Young]

might just need washers and seats . don't know how good the tub fill/overflow functions , the ones I saw looked like they could be converted to modern day over flow, and then maybe put a standard tub spout on.
Any way no real mention of exactly what you want to do Handy Gal. If tub works and no leaks cleans up well, and finding handles to match . you may even have other things going on with property, like kitchen , or heating (that's an important one lately).
The 3 handle valve you have now your planning to mate with exposed shower riser . is that how its plumbed now?

 

[Terry]

More old school tub plumbing.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

How does this tub switch from tub to shower? Does the shower valve get water passing through the tub valve all the time like a bypass? I just worked on a tub with that same style of drain with the handle off to the side with a big arm to pull up the stopper. Someone jacked it up and it seems to be missing something that keeps the handle from flipping over back to the stopped position.

 

[Marlinman]

The tub and shower work independently. The 3 valve operates the tub fill and waste. The single handle valve operates the shower using the bypass valve body from the tub filler. That is a awesome classic set-up in like new condition. Thanks Terry for the photos.

 

[Jeff H Young]

The tub and shower work independently. The 3 valve operates the tub fill and waste. The single handle valve operates the shower using the bypass valve body from the tub filler. That is a awesome classic set-up in like new condition. Thanks Terry for the photos.

I enjoyed seeing that as well the trim looks replaced I wonder if reproduction ?

 

[Marlinman]

This trim is all original except the hot and waste handle. The hot handle is period from a widespread and the waste handle is a cheap fit-all handle.

 

[rhythmtone]

Hi, I understand that this thread is old, but the fixtures and issue is so similar, and there aren't that many of these types of threads, that I hope that I can ask.

In the tub, the teal tile, the faucet handles no longer tighten and shut off the water properly - there are caulked ceramic dome (white) covers x2 and you can see that they have made some cuts in the teal tile in the past - but do I need rear access to fix this?

There is a tiled shower in the rear, and that would be extremely difficult to access, can it be fixed with only popping those front covers, in the teal colered tub? It's also second floor, so impossible to access from underneath.

Thank you for any advice,
Dave

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

Hi, I understand that this thread is old, but the fixtures and issue is so similar, and there aren't that many of these types of threads, that I hope that I can ask.

In the tub, the teal tile, the faucet handles no longer tighten and shut off the water properly - there are caulked ceramic dome (white) covers x2 and you can see that they have made some cuts in the teal tile in the past - but do I need rear access to fix this?

There is a tiled shower in the rear, and that would be extremely difficult to access, can it be fixed with only popping those front covers, in the teal colered tub? It's also second floor, so impossible to access from underneath.

Thank you for any advice,
Dave

Identifying the manufacture would be the first thing to do with detailed photos.

Typically these can be repaired with new parts from the exterior. The handle comes off the stem, then the escutcheon or cover comes off which exposes the packing nut and stem nut. Special wrenches are used for removing stems from the valve.

 

[Reach4]

Shower Valve Socket Wrench Set

Amazing deals on this Shower Valve Socket Wrench Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[rhythmtone]

Thanks for the reply, it says "Republic" on the handles, would more photos help?

Thanks

 

[rhythmtone]

"Supposedly" the cartridges (if there is such a thing for this era of plumbing) were done between 10-15 years ago, when my parents bought the place, and the thing has probably been used a total of 12 times since then, but the "valves" were not redone at that time, hence the need for "rear access" or "it can't be fixed, you have to do this and that, grumble, grumble".

Part of the problem is, it's very difficult to have the discussion about anything like this, repairs, etc., with the angry old father, who is just about done doing anything, so the the entire thing is a detective's investigation, based on questionable information, haha.

Thanks again

 

[GReynolds929]

The tub sure looks like old Crane/Repcal to me, not sure about the shower. I know Barry Walter has the Crane stems and diverter.

 

[rhythmtone]

The tub sure looks like old Crane/Repcal to me, not sure about the shower. I know Barry Walter has the Crane stems and diverter.

They should approve my new posts tomorrow hopefully, it says "Republic" but we'll see, it also caused a family argument, so you can't necessary help people fix things, if they don't want your help, haha.

Thanks again

 

[GReynolds929]

Republic is pre WW2. Nice old stuff. They were bought by Briggs. Briggs stems and seats may be compatible. You would need to pull the cartridge and match it, or take pics and post them.

 

[rhythmtone]

Republic is pre WW2. Nice old stuff. They were bought by Briggs. Briggs stems and seats may be compatible. You would need to pull the cartridge and match it, or take pics and post them.

Thanks for your reply,
I am pretty good with modern stuff, but I know nothing about vintage fixtures.

"Supposedly" the cartridges were done a few years ago and are good, but the problem is the "valves", hence the need for rear access.

Does that sound plausible? Is it true that we would actually need rear access? The hope is that that's incorrect and the seats or seals or whatever (not the actual cartridges) of the valves can be replaced from the front, only removing the front cover.

Most "professional" plumbers in Los Angeles just take one look and say, "there's nothing that I can do for you, short of tearing down the building" haha, and that's why I'm here, haha. If I knew how it was actually assembled, I might have a better idea of how to fix it, but I've not taken anything apart, yet.

Forgive my lack of knowledge, but thank you for any replies,
Dave

 

[rhythmtone]

If we go on the assumption that the stems (cartridges) are actually good, that they were actually replaced recently, could someone please describe the process of repairing the valves of this vintage? (if that's even possible?).

Seat replacement or change out the entire valve assembly? (with rear access, tear the wall apart, etc)

I understand that *some* valve seats are completely round (due to wear or design) and cannot be removed, but if they are replaceable, what might be the process for a fixture of this year?

Thanks for any and all advice and/or replies,
Dave

 

[Jeff H Young]

If we go on the assumption that the stems (cartridges) are actually good, that they were actually replaced recently, could someone please describe the process of repairing the valves of this vintage? (if that's even possible?).

Seat replacement or change out the entire valve assembly? (with rear access, tear the wall apart, etc)

I understand that *some* valve seats are completely round (due to wear or design) and cannot be removed, but if they are replaceable, what might be the process for a fixture of this year?

Thanks for any and all advice and/or replies,
Dave

Hi dave, many steps but take off handles first , then the white porcelan escutcheon . turn off water main , open faucets drain , unscrew the entire stem assembly . inspect washers and the the seats that are inside wall with flash light . Take stem to local hardware store buy new washers , and or stems and seats , youll need a seat wrench 5 , 10 , or 15 bucks tops.
Warning if this goes wrong you wont have water so Id advize just trying the washers if you have little confidence or ability. The washers are pretty easy the whole job is easy kinda..
Id say watch a half dozen you tube videos on the subject , They all are pretty basic, BTW I dont know the age it could be 60s 50s or ? its a lot to write down every little thing so Id look on you tube come on back and share your progress , questions and results ! good luck

 

[rhythmtone]

Hi dave, many steps but take off handles first , then the white porcelan escutcheon . turn off water main , open faucets drain , unscrew the entire stem assembly . inspect washers and the the seats that are inside wall with flash light . Take stem to local hardware store buy new washers , and or stems and seats , youll need a seat wrench 5 , 10 , or 15 bucks tops.
Warning if this goes wrong you wont have water so Id advize just trying the washers if you have little confidence or ability. The washers are pretty easy the whole job is easy kinda..
Id say watch a half dozen you tube videos on the subject , They all are pretty basic, BTW I dont know the age it could be 60s 50s or ? its a lot to write down every little thing so Id look on you tube come on back and share your progress , questions and results ! good luck

That all makes perfect sense, but is it possible that the seats are non-removable? (perfectly round type)

What then?

Thanks

 

[rhythmtone]

The photo attached shows what's in the wall - there is no seat to replace, just a perfectly smooth round bottom of the pipe where the stem goes - is it possible to fix this in-wall?

Thanks

 

[Reach4]

You could try just a washer.

There are tools to dress up the seat. Look up
"seat" valve shower grinder OR cutter OR reamer